Exercise in pregnancy does not alter gestational weight gain, MCP-1 or leptin in obese women

Background: Increasing physical activity in pregnancy may improve pregnancy outcomes for obese women. Exercise could reduce gestational weight gain, improve the maternal circulating lipid profile as well as alter leptin, Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) levels.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on gestational weight gain, maternal circulating lipids, IL-8, MCP-1 and leptin levels in obese pregnant women.

Materials and methods: The analysis was performed in the 35 obese women enrolled in the pilot BAMBINO randomised controlled trial who provided blood samples at 12- and 28-weeks gestation. Women in the exercise intervention arm received an individualised exercise plan. Blood samples, exercise diary and pedometer data were obtained at 12-, 20-, 28- and 36-weeks' gestation. Cord blood was obtained at delivery.

Results: Women in the exercise arm exercised more than those in the control arm (P = 0.038). There was no difference in gestational weight gain, excess gestational weight gain, MCP-1 and leptin levels between women in the exercise intervention (n = 19) or the control arm (n = 16). IL-8 was not detectable. Exercise did not alter the maternal lipid profile.

Conclusions: The low level of physical activity achieved in obese women in the exercise intervention arm was insufficient to alter gestational weight gain, MCP-1, leptin or circulating lipid levels.